Your Game Plan for Weed-Free Turf That Wins Every Time

Whether you’re maintaining a backyard, a sporting oval, or council grounds, we know one thing for sure: weeds are the competition. And we’re here to help you beat them.

The good news? With the right strategy, your StrathAyr turf can dominate all season long. Here’s your playbook for taking control and keeping it.

Why Weeds Are Getting Through Your Defence

Weeds exploit weaknesses. They move in when:

Turf is under stress (heat, shade, compaction, poor mowing)
Watering is inconsistent or incorrect
Soil nutrients are depleted
Warm-season grass goes dormant in winter

Fix these gaps, and you shut down their entry points. Strong, thick turf doesn’t leave room for competition.

Step 1: Know Your Opposition

You can’t win if you don’t know what you’re up against. Most weeds fall into two categories, being either Broadleaf or Annual Grassy weeds.
Broadleaf weeds include Dandelions, Clover, Bindii and Capeweed, and these need to be targeted with selective broadleaf herbicides.
Annual Grassy weeds include Winter Grass, Summer Grass and Crowfoot, which can be prevented with the use of a pre-emergent herbicide such as Oxafert.

Step 2: Choose Your Attack

When you’ve only got a few weeds, manual removal is the way to go. This can be done by hand, using a screwdriver or with a weeding tool, but make sure you are getting the entire weed and its root system. Don’t give them a second chance! We recommend doing this after rain if you can, as the moisture in the soil will make it easier to lift the roots.

If you have a bigger broadleaf weed infestation, we suggest using a selective herbicide. This won’t damage your turf, but it will hurt the weeds! For the most effective application, we suggest spraying during active growth on a mild, calm day. Avoid doing it in extreme heat or frost. We also suggest that you don’t mow your law for 48 hours either side of application, and always follow the product label for application rates and optimal results.

Your best chance at staying ahead of weeds before they take over is by using a pre-emergent. Products like Oxafert stop weed seeds from germinating before they become a problem, when used at the right time. There are three times of the year we suggest applying Oxafert. The first is March, to block any autumn and winter invasions before the start. Secondly, in May, to provide your lawn with that extra reinforcement it may need before the heavier rains hit. And finally in August, to shut down any spring/summer threats and keep that lawn cricket-ready.

Step 3: Build Turf That Dominates

Weed control isn’t just about removal, it’s about building turf so strong that weeds can’t compete. Here’s your maintenance playbook:

Fertilise for Maximum Density

Dense, well-fed turf crowds out competition naturally.

Follow the StrathAyr performance calendar:

September – Spring activation
February – Summer strength
April – Autumn fortification
November – Optional boost for high-traffic areas

For sporting clubs and councils: consistent fertilisation means better wear tolerance and faster recovery.

Water Deep for Resilient Roots

Deep, infrequent watering builds drought-resistant turf with strong root systems.

For high-performance areas:

Water in early mornings
Focus on deep penetration over surface moisture
Adjust frequency based on usage and season

Strong roots = better performance under pressure. For more information, StrathAyr’s complete guide to watering and irrigation is available here.

Mow Like a Pro

Regular mowing at proper heights encourages lateral growth and thickness, which is your best natural weed barrier.

Optimal playing heights:

Sir Walter Buffalo: 30–40mm
Eureka VG Kikuyu: 25–40mm (excellent for high-traffic)
TifTuf: 10–25mm (superior drought tolerance)
Nullarbor Couch: 12–20mm (premium sports surface)
RTF Tall Fescue: 30–50mm

Never scalp more than one-third of the leaf height. Keep blades sharp for clean cuts that resist disease.

Repair Fast, Maintain Standards

Bare patches = weak points in your defence.

For quick recovery:

Loosen compacted soil
Add quality topsoil
Install repair slabs for instant coverage
Or fertilise aggressively to drive natural recovery

For sporting clubs: StrathAyrs slab-cut, washed turf means fast repairs between fixtures.

Common Weed Threats (And How to Beat Them)

Clover outbreak? This is a signal of nitrogen deficiency. Fertilise immediately and use a selective herbicide treatment.

Winter grass invasion? High-traffic areas are vulnerable. This is whay a pre-emergent application (Oxafert) in autumn is non-negotiable.

Bindii? Unacceptable for sports and recreation areas. Early spring treatment with a selective herbicide is your best defence.

The Winning Formula

Professional-grade turf comes down to consistency:

✓ Regular mowing program ✓ Strategic watering schedule ✓ Seasonal fertilisation (3-4 times annually) ✓ Pre-emergent applications at key intervals

Do this, and your StrathAyr turf will stay thick, resilient, and weed-free. Whether it’s a backyard, a bowling green, or a full-sized sporting oval, it will be Perfected for Play, all year round.

Game on.